Shareholder Activism
Goodmans is the market leader in shareholder rights and activism mandates. Our lawyers deliver timely, creative and pragmatic solutions agreeable to all parties. With a reputation for collegiality in circumstances that can be contentious, our lawyers model constructive dialogue that often circumvents major escalation and leads to optimal dispute settlements.
At the same time, we have been extremely effective in winning protracted proxy contests for activists and boards where the only practical solution is to fight. We have time-honoured relationships with leading proxy solicitation firms, investor relations firms and media relations experts in Canada and internationally and are the leading recipient of referrals from other law firms in Canada and abroad.
In pioneering novel strategies to achieve our clients’ objectives, Goodmans has evolved shareholder activism market practices in Canada. We were the first in Canada to use Twitter and YouTube in a proxy campaign to reach a broad shareholder base.
Clients turn to us to add strong presentation, tactical and interpersonal skills to their team. We provide a steady voice and the ability to work with, and help lead, a team of principals and advisors in an environment that is often emotional and subject to tight and aggressive deadlines. We recognize the unique elements of each situation and carefully analyze the relevant considerations.
Our solutions meet the broad needs of boards and activist investors and include director nominations, meeting requisitions, shareholder proposals, proxy contests, unsolicited take-over bids, the use of strategic and tactical litigation and regulatory applications and settlement negotiations.
Explore People in Shareholder Activism
Meet our teamFeatured Work
-
Mergers and Acquisitions
Browning West issues letter to Gildan Activewear’s board of directors outlining steps to restore stakeholder confidence
Goodmans LLP is acting for Browning West, LP in connection with issuing a letter to Gildan Activewear Inc. advocating for the reinstatement of its former CEO, Glenn Chamandy… -
Shareholder Activism
Magnet Forensics acquired by Thoma Bravo
Goodmans LLP acted for Nellore Capital Management, the largest shareholder of Subordinate Voting Shares of Magnet Forensics, in relation to Thoma Bravo’s proposed acquisition of Magnet Forensics… -
Shareholder Activism
First Capital Enters into Cooperation Agreement with Vision Capital and Ewing Morris
Goodmans LLP acted for Vision Capital corp. in relation to the support and cooperation agreement between First Capital REIT and each of Vision Capital and Ewing Morris & Co. Investment Partners… -
Shareholder Activism
Medical Facilities Corporation Announces Change in Corporate Strategy and Board
Goodmans LLP represented Medical Facilities Corporation (MFC) in connection with its change in corporate strategy after engagement with shareholders, including Converium Capital Inc… -
Shareholder Activism
Horizon Partners opposes TransGlobe Energy Corporation's merger with VAALCO Energy, Inc.
Goodmans LLP acted for Horizon Partners in connection with TransGlobe Energy Corporation merger with VAALCO Energy, Inc… -
Shareholder Activism
Greywood, LLC Leads Shareholder Activism Against Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc.
Goodmans LLP is representing Greywood LLC in connection with its acquisition of beneficial ownership of 5% or more of a class of equity securities of Enthusiast Gaming Holdings Inc. (“Enthusiast…
Insights
-
Shareholder Activism
Jon Feldman featured on "State of Shareholder Activism in Canada", Mission Matters Business Podcast
Goodmans partner Jon Feldman was recently featured on the Mission Matters Business Podcast with Adam Torres for the episode "State of Shareholder Activism in Canada", and shared his insights on Canada… -
Shareholder Activism
'The Shareholder Activism Phenomenon is Strong and Will Remain Strong for the Foreseeable Future', Lexpert
In a recent article for Lexpert.ca, author Jonathan Feldman discusses the state of shareholder activism in Canada and delves into what's top-of-mind for him as we head into the 2024 proxy… -
Shareholder Activism
Canadian Securities Administrators Seek Public Comment on Activist Short Selling
The Canadian Securities Administrators (CSA) recently issued a consultation paper (the “Consultation Paper”) seeking feedback on a broad range of issues related to “activist short selling”. Activist… -
Dispute Resolution
Advance Notice By-Laws – A Canadian Shield
In BlackRock Credit Allocation Income Trust v. Saba Capital Master Fund, Ltd., the Delaware Supreme Court recently provided guidance on the validity of supplemental disclosure obligations imposed on… -
Capital Markets
Glass Lewis Releases 2020 Canadian Proxy Voting Guidelines
Proxy advisor Glass, Lewis & Co. recently released its 2020 Canadian Guidelines to Proxy Advice. These policy guidelines generally apply to shareholder meetings beginning in 2020, and the… -
Capital Markets
The Legal Status of Board Observers in Canada
As part of an equity investment or financing transaction, investors often seek the right to appoint a board observer in addition to or in place of receiving an actual seat on a company’s board. These…
News & Events
-
Banking and Financial Services
Goodmans Lawyers Recognized in the Lexpert Special Edition: Finance and M&A 2024
We are delighted to announce the Lexpert Special Edition: Finance and M&A 2024 once again features Goodmans lawyers among Canada's experts.Congratulations to our 33 featured lawyers:Alan… -
Shareholder Activism
Jon Feldman at the 2024 Activist Investor Conference
Join Jon Feldman at the 2024 Activist Investor Conference for the session "Evolution of Shareholder and Management Rights". The Activist Investor Conference is a forum for discussing… -
Shareholder Activism
Jonathan Feldman at Bloomberg Activist Forum 2023
Join Jonathan Feldman on December 11 at the 2023 Bloomberg Activist Forum, where he will be joining the panel Activism at Dual-Class Companies. The Bloomberg Activist Forum features conversations with…